CHAPTER 52
Andie
I called M’Pak to accompany Camavel and me to Robnar’s studio.
If other males thought I was “open” to courtship, there was a good chance I’d get stopped on the street.
I let him know what was happening, and he gave an amused chuff but agreed to look especially growly at any males who thought to approach.
I was glad he was with us. I swear, every villager was in the market square today, and they stared at me intently as they gossiped.
I knew they meant no harm in it, even if the scrutiny was a bit awkward.
Several of the women waved, smiling at me, then turning to each other in easy camaraderie.
The males eyed me in a more speculative manner, which made me a bit uncomfortable.
A couple started forward as if to come speak to me, but M’Pak stared at them and growled until they slunk away.
Camavel walked at my side, regal as a queen, as if she would never deign to lower herself to speak on such matters.
Liar. She was the biggest gossip of them all.
As soon as I was out of sight, I knew she would eagerly reveal our entire conversation to everyone in the square.
I was careful what I told her because of that, but it could be useful now.
“What you said to Manoko, that was smart,” I said.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“That I’m not open to courting from anyone but Prince Dakleth. That we’re mated, and he’s just courting me as a formality.”
“It was one of my more brilliant ideas, I must say,” she agreed. “The small lie protected Manoko’s ego by not making the rejection personal.”
“I’d like that stance to be widely known,” I said. “And it’s not really a lie. I don’t know how I feel about Dakleth still, but I know I don’t want to be courted by anyone else. We’ll tell everyone that I’m accepting his courtship but no one else’s. That should help keep the others at bay.”
“Are you sure?” she inquired, “The Prince could use the competition. And it is not a bad idea for you to get to know some of the other males.”
“Yes, I’m sure,” I said. “I know I’m not interested in anyone else, and encouraging them is just going to lead to hurt feelings.”
“So you are interested in the Prince,” she chuckled.
“I didn’t say that,” I snapped. “I’m just using him as an excuse to keep the others at bay. Dealing with one male is a lot easier than fending off the whole town.
“Mmmhmmm,” she hummed. I could tell she didn’t really believe me. “Regardless, I can make sure they know your position,” she said.
“Thank you, that would be very helpful,” I said.
Thanking Camavel while giving her permission to spread gossip about me had her over the moon. I could tell she was itching to spread the news already.
I’ll be fine from here,” I told her as I approached Robnar’s shop. “M’Pak will walk me back.”
We said our farewells, and I stepped into the atelier. “Andie!” Robnar exclaimed as he swooshed into the room in a floor-length hot pink gown. “My favorite human! Do you require a new trousseau now that you are accepting suitors?” he beamed at me.
“Ha ha,” I said. “News does travel fast here. I’m not accepting any suitors. Well, except Prince Dakleth. Mostly to keep the others at bay. No, I’m here because I’ve been invited to the Charonu ball, and I’d like to see if there’s time for you to make me a new dress.
“But of course! I started sketching last night when Prince Dakleth called me.”
“Wait, what now?”
“Yes, here let me show you some designs,” he pulled up holograms from his tablet of three dresses.
“Why did he call you?” I said as I studied each design. One of them was ok, but two were absolutely brilliant.
“He said you would need a dress for the ball. He’s also commissioned a skirt to match whatever fabric you choose, so you need to decide today so that I can finish both outfits in time.”
My mind was reeling. “We’re going to match? What if I don’t want to match?”
“Oh, he was most insistent,” Robnar said.
“And while I do adore you, Andie, he is the Prince of our kingdom. I am obliged to obey. If you intend to convince him otherwise, I wish you luck. He seemed quite stubborn about it. Oh, and of course, he has paid in advance, and has instructed me to bedeck you in jewels, shoes, and any other accessories you would like.”
I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. It was odd, because I had plenty of credits thanks to King Akapa’s generosity.
So I was able to afford my own clothing with no problem.
But I was still judicious with the credits, because I was always nervous that circumstances might change.
I would never buy anything expensive that I didn’t truly need.
I had purchased a few bracelets and earrings from Miravel’s booth, but nothing too extravagant.
“That is very generous,” I said. “I’ll just stick with a dress for now.”
“As you wish,” he said. “Which design do you like best?” I told him my two choices, and we narrowed down to fabrics that would suit each one. We selected an off-the-shoulder gown in a satiny cobalt color with a subtle cerulean pattern that shimmered when the fabric moved.
“This will be gorgeous,” Robnar gushed. “It will bring out your eyes and look great with your hair. We can save the design for the other dress for your next event.”
“That sounds great, thank you,” I said.
“I’ll have it for you in three days,” he said. “Come back here so it can be fitted. I have your measurements, but I’m going to pick out some shoes for you, and I want to hem it with you in them.”
“Got it,” I said.
“Oh! And I’ll see you there. My mate has been invited to the ball, and he will be bringing me along.”
“That’s wonderful!” I said, “I’m always happy to see familiar faces at these things.”
We said our goodbyes, and M’Pak walked me back home. Although there were a number of curious glances, we were left alone. Good work, Camavel, I thought
I came home and went out back to see the gardens. The bushes had been planted in neat clusters at the four corners of the property. I had to admit, it looked good. I didn’t know anything about these plants, though, so I’d have to look up info about their care.
Still, I had to admit, it was a cute gesture. Between that and the dress, I could admit that Dakleth was trying hard to win me over. I hadn’t dated anyone in a long time. Everything he had done today was… sweet. Thoughtful, even.
And, of course, I had behaved like a prickly ass to him on the comms panel. I supposed I should send a thank you or something. It was the least I could do.